Dispensaries Face Security Challenges in the Wake of Several Robberies

A handful of robberies of marijuana dispensaries in Toronto and other Canadian cities over the past several months has left some employees and owners concerned about their safety, and not always comfortable going to the police. Police, on the other hand, say that protecting the public requires cooperation from owners, who need to not put their employees in harm’s way.

A lack of proper security protocol, as well as a fear of going to the police, have left the issue ripe for some criminals. While grow-rips and robberies are not uncommon in the black market, as cannabis stores become more common and more public in their approach, the issue itself becomes more public.

Most recently, on January 14, police responded to a call at The Green Leaf marijuana dispensary at 2145 Danforth Ave. According to the police report, three masked men entered the premises, one armed, and took control of three store employees, ordering them onto the ground.

During the course of the robbery the gun was fired and one employee was reportedly pistol whipped. The three men escape with cash.

On Dec. 21, masked robbers reportedly entered Canna Clinic on Ossington Ave. and took all the cash and marijuana on the premises. According to one customer, some eight employees and 20 customers were ordered on the ground by masked robbers.

In August, two men were charged after a dispensary in Toronto was robbed with a start pistol that police say resembled a 38 revolver. Cash and marijuana were taken from the premises.